England release Smith after arrest
 |
Smith's outstanding recent form for struggling Leeds had won him a recall to the England squad.
Story Tools
|
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Leeds United striker Alan Smith has left the England squad after his arrest on Thursday over an alleged bottle-throwing incident during a League Cup match against Manchester United last month.
Smith, who had only been called up just a few hours earlier for Sunday's friendly against Denmark as a replacement for Darius Vassell, was questioned by police and later released on bail.
Southampton's James Beattie has been called up in his place.
The English Football Association issued a statement on Friday, saying it "was aware of Alan Smith's pre-arranged voluntary interview with the police. This was arranged at a time when Alan did not know he would be called into the England squad.
"Neither The FA nor (manager) Sven-Goran Eriksson were aware of any impending arrest.
"Once the police confirmed the arrest yesterday afternoon, The FA discussed the situation with Alan, Leeds United and Alan's advisers. The FA concluded that it would be inappropriate for Alan to remain with the England squad at this time."
Eriksson told the FA website: "I am sad for Alan. I know he has already apologized for what has happened and, once the case is concluded, I have told Alan that this will not affect his chances of future selection with England."
The incident that sparked the embarrassing U-turn took place near the end of Leeds's 3-2 League Cup third round defeat by Manchester United.
Television pictures showed Smith picking up a plastic bottle thrown by a supporter in the West Stand.
Smith threw it back off the pitch and in a strange twist it hit the sister of one of his best friends. She was not seriously hurt and he later apologized.
Professional Footballers Association chief Gordon Taylor strongly criticized the decision to release Smith.
"It is humiliating for the squad and bad for morale," he told BBC Radio.
"It appears to be a hunting season for professional footballers," added Taylor who opposed the FA's decision to exclude Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand from the previous England squad after he failed to attend a routine drugs test.
Copyright 2003
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
